Patent attributes
A clutch assembly is disclosed that combines a positively engaging dog clutch and one way clutch. The two devices are design such that the one way clutch never interferes with the engagement or disengagement of the dog clutch. In one embodiment, the one way clutch transmits torque in particular rotational positions and the dog teeth are circumferentially placed such that they do not engage in any of these positions. In another embodiment, the dog clutch piston, to which the teeth are secured, is permitted to rotate enough to accommodate any interference between dog teeth during engagement. In either embodiment, the teeth faces that transmit torque in the same direction as the one way clutch may be angled such that torque in that direction tends to disengage the dog clutch.